Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed a declaration from the Irish Government regarding the allocation of funding for four cross-border greenways through the €2 million Shared Island Greenways Development Fund.

Financial support covering 2026 and 2027 has been secured for the Lifford-Derry, Warrenpoint to Newcastle, Derry to Buncrana, and Sligo-Enniskillen initiatives.

Minister Kimmins said: "Through collaborative working with our counterparts in the Government of Ireland, I'm delighted that funding has been identified to explore further expansion our cross-border greenway network and to build on the success achieved to date. "Cross-border greenways provide a transformative opportunity to enhance sustainable transport, tourism and all-island connectivity. This funding demonstrates commitment to further develop sustainable transport on a cross-border basis. This all enhances the island of Ireland as a place where people want to live and work, to visit, and to invest.

"My officials have been working closely with colleagues in both the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to identify and develop a coherent network of cross border greenways. This vision has been supported by the findings of a recent cross-border greenway feasibility study, including the identification of potential linkages to existing active travel networks in both jurisdictions.

"Funding of £40,000 has already been allocated to Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) to support preliminary design development work support for the proposed Warrenpoint to Newcastle (via Kilkeel) greenway, including a £20,000 allocation from my Department. This scheme will seek to build upon the success of the Carlingford Lough Greenway to extend the network and help showcase the beautiful landscapes of County Down and this border region."